Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope... (Romans 5:3-4)
As Paul sat in a Roman prison, he wrote, "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice" (Phil. 4:4). If you're a Christian, you've heard this text quoted often. Through it, we're reminded that rejoicing isn't a "sometimes" activity. Rejoicing is an "all the time" activity, including those times when life is hard, pain is deep, and suffering will not let go.
In Romans 5, Paul rejoices in the "hope of the glory of God" (v. 1-2). By God's grace, we have come to trust in Christ, we are now justified, we live at peace with God, and we have access to God that's impossible apart from Jesus (v. 1-2). Who wouldn't rejoice at that?!? But Paul goes on to say that we also rejoice in our sufferings. In essence, he's saying we rejoice in the Lord always.
But how can I rejoice in my sufferings? How can you rejoice in your sufferings? When cancer wrecks our bodies, or the bodies of family members. When your husband, father, or grandfather can no longer remember you due to their Alzheimer's. When dementia leads to violent behavior. When tragedy suddenly steals away a child. When you lose your job because of circumstances out of your control. When your wife suddenly abandons you. When your adult children are in a deep, unchanging pattern of rebellion against God. When friends and family cut you out because of your faith in Jesus. When the world seems to be spinning out of control.
How can I rejoice at these times? How can I rejoice always? Two words in Romans 5:3 help answer that question. These two words equip us for rejoicing always. Here they are: "knowing that."
What I know will determine whether I rejoice. In particular, what I know of the Lord will determine whether I rejoice in the Lord. And, what I know of the Lord will determine when I rejoice in the Lord. Don't believe the lie that theology is for scholars and not ordinary Christians. Our view of God matters when it comes to rejoicing. Think about it.
The view that it is God's job to give me the life I want, to respond to my faith in Him by giving me health, wealth, and unwavering happiness in this life, isn't based on the Bible. It's based on some version of God I've created in my mind. However, if this is my view of God, when will I rejoice? I will rejoice only when my bill of health is clear, my bank account is full, and my circumstances please me. I won't always rejoice. I'll sometimes rejoice. Why? Because what I know of God will determine when I rejoice in God.
However, if I have a biblical knowledge of God, things change. If I know that His design is to make me more like Jesus (Rom. 8:28-29), and if I know that being like Jesus requires suffering, rejection from friends, pain, and heartache, then do you know what I will do? I will rejoice always. I will say what Paul says. "We rejoice in our sufferings..." Why? "...knowing that suffering produces..."
If I am convinced that suffering is only something to escape and not something God employs for His glory and my good, I will not rejoice. However, if I know that suffering - in the hands of God, endured by faith - will produce Christlike character and trust and endurance I wouldn't have otherwise, then I can rejoice. This is rejoicing "in the Lord"...in relationship to Him, with a right knowledge of Him, trusting in Him.
To be sure, rejoicing in the Lord always is not pain-free rejoicing. There's nothing painless about cancer, Alzheimer's, abandonment, tragedy, rebellious children, ostracism from friends and family, or any other suffering you may endure. However, because of what we know of God - His greatness, His goodness, His wisdom, and His purposes - we can rejoice all the same. We will be "sorrowful, yet always rejoicing" (2 Cor. 6:10).
Here's where the rubber meets the road. Since rejoicing in the Lord is based on knowing the Lord, then each of us should be committed to knowing the Lord and growing in that knowledge. We should aim to diligently obey Peter's command: "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 3:18).
Are you committed to growing in your knowledge of the Lord? What will you do today to grow?
